The County government of Nakuru has received the second consignment of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) from the Kenya COVID-19 Fund Board and Equity Group Foundation.

Speaking when he graced the event at the Nakuru Level 5 Hospital, Equity Group Foundation Chief Commercial Officer Polycarp Igathe noted that healthy healthcare workers are key to win the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

He noted that the PPEs which are part of the Sh1.1Billion Kitty of the Equity Group are meant to   to inspire Medical workers as they go about their work amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The PPEs are meant to inspire our healthcare workers who have continued to sacrifice in the fight against COVID-19”  he said.

Igathe once again assuring the healthcare workers of the improved quality of the PPEs which are manufactured locally in factories such as Nakuru based Bedi Investment.

According to the Equity Group CEO, 99 percent of the PPEs are produced locally in various factories in the country.

This, he said is a way to ensure that not only matters health are considered but also improving local businesses.

“We are not only tackling health but also improving businesses and that is why we have the PPEs manufactured locally” he said.

He commended what he termed is macro leadership of the national government saying it is key in transforming the Society.

“As Equity Group we shall continue to complement the Government’s efforts in various sectors be it health or education” said Igathe.

Nakuru County Director Medical Services Dr.Daniel Wainaina who received the PPEs on behalf of the County Government of Nakuru called on residents to continue adhering to the COVID-19 containment measures.

He stated, “If we fail to observe the containment measures we shall end up overwhelmed as healthcare workers.”

Dr.Wainaina noted that the second consignment is key in the whole the battle against COVID-19.

He also lauded the frontline healthcare workers adding that despite Nakuru having been reporting high cases in the recent, the response from county healthcare workers is notch higher revealing that none of staff at isolation centres has contracted the virus.

Sentiments echoed by Nakuru Level 5 Acting Medical Superintended Aisha Maina.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has on Wednesday suspended all political gatherings and rallies for 60 days.

Addressing the nation after holding a meeting with counties’ leadership on matters COVID-19,he said the political rallies have been taking place with no observance to containment measures.

The Head of state calling on leaders to be role models by adhering to the measures.

“I hereby order that all political gatherings and rallies suspended for a period of 60 days” he said.

Meanwhile,the national dusk to dawn curfew has been extended to 3rd January 2021.

However,the curfew hours now stands at 10pm to 4am.

The government has also ordered that all bars and restaurants that had been opened to public to only operate up to 9pm daily.

The operators at the bars,restaurants and liquor selling points to ensure compliance or risk licenses being revoked.

In addition,all Cabinet Secretaries,Chief administrative Secretaries and Principal Secretaries now ordered to scale down engagement within government to virtual.

Public service servants of 58 years and above will now be allowed to operate from.

On Education,the government has directed that all candidates continue with their learning while basic education classes resume in January 2021.

The President urging MPs to engage NGAAF and CDF Boards towards reopening of schools.

He says the Boards should now focus on enhancing hand-washing points,facemasks and general sanitation in schools.

While reiterating the need for better coordination between levels of governments,the President has directed that counties maintain isolation bed capacity.

And in Counties where there will be upsurge of COVID-19 cases,the national government will engage the specific county and might declare lockdown and other restrictions.

The government has also commenced a campaign dubbed ‘No mask,no services’.

The President says this will help in ensuring members of the public wear masks while in public places.

“Services will not be offered on people who do not observe protocols.No mask,no services” he said.

The Ministry of Interior also tasked to constitute a special inclusive enforcement unit to enforce protocol.

The COVID-19 pandemic has left patients literally gasping for breath in various hospitals across the country due to lack of oxygen and oxygen accessories.

However, in Nakuru County, an oxygen plant at the Nakuru Level 5 Hospital has ensured a steady supply of high-quality medical oxygen for COVID-19 patients and other procedures.

The Hewa Tele plant that is capable of producing 900 litres per minute of oxygen supplies all public and private hospitals in Nakuru and at least other five neighbouring counties with the essential commodity.

Medical oxygen gas refill process. Photo/Simon Mutai

The plant fills cylinders, which are then used to provide oxygen directly to patients or to provide a supply for manifold systems in Intensive and High Dependency Units.

“The plant has ensured that the hospitals are not overcharged for medical oxygen as well as averting delivery delays and occasional stock-outs,” said Nakuru Level 5 Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Joseph Mburu.